Small MH Light?

SRQReefer · 03/12/2008, 10:58 AM

I have a 55 gallon tank with 260 watts of compact flourescents (2 x 65 actinic, 2 X 65 10K whites) - the CoralLife retrofit. I would like to throw a small, 150 MH under the hood, just so I can get into some SPS corals but: (a) I can't find an alternate, MH retrofit that will fit under my hood (I have a tall, narrow 55); and, besides (b) I don't want to have to replace my entire lighting system if I don't have to. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I can find - or how I can build - a small MH light that I could use as a supplement to my current system? Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Thanks.

snulma1 · 03/12/2008, 03:56 PM

To Reef Central

Depending on your level of tinkering/DIY, you could take your old PC fixture apart and save just the reflectors, caps, wires and ballast and fit them around 2 MH reflectors in your hood. I did this with my first 55g. Worked well, just don't cut any wires unless absolutely necessary.

03/12/2008, 10:58 AM	#1
SRQReefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 2	Small MH Light? I have a 55 gallon tank with 260 watts of compact flourescents (2 x 65 actinic, 2 X 65 10K whites) - the CoralLife retrofit. I would like to throw a small, 150 MH under the hood, just so I can get into some SPS corals but: (a) I can't find an alternate, MH retrofit that will fit under my hood (I have a tall, narrow 55); and, besides (b) I don't want to have to replace my entire lighting system if I don't have to. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I can find - or how I can build - a small MH light that I could use as a supplement to my current system? Any and all suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

03/12/2008, 03:56 PM	#2
snulma1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,281	*To Reef Central* Depending on your level of tinkering/DIY, you could take your old PC fixture apart and save just the reflectors, caps, wires and ballast and fit them around 2 MH reflectors in your hood. I did this with my first 55g. Worked well, just don't cut any wires unless absolutely necessary.